"Oasis Serenity and Desert Tranquility"
Siwa Tourism
Siwa Oasis, nestled in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, is situated in the western corner of Egypt. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, salt lakes, hot springs, and ancient sites. Located approximately 300 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, it's a serene haven far away from the hustle bustle of cities like Cairo and Luxor.
Siwa itself is small and quiet, with sandy streets and cozy homes made of mud bricks. It's main feature is its natural beauty, offering over 300 crystal-clear springs, hot springs, and salt mining pools. The town has plenty of palm tree groves and pretty gardens to explore. Plus, just outside town, there are massive sand dunes perfect for a desert adventure with star gazing and night camping.
One of the most popular attraction in Siwa is Cleopatra's Spring, a natural oasis with crystalline waters said to have been frequented by the legendary queen herself. Other highlights include the Siwa House Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts, and the Temple of the Oracle, a sacred site where Alexander the Great consulted the Oracle of Amun.
Adventure seekers can explore the Great Sand Sea or take a camel ride to the Gebel el-Mawta mountain. There are also plenty of places to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert, such as the oases of Aghurmi and Bir Wahed.
Things to do in Siwa
1. Mountain of the Dead
2. Temple of the Oracle
3. Siwa Hot Springs
Must Know Before You Travel to Siwa
- Unpaved Roads: As the roads in Siwa town are not paved, taking tuk-tuk for sightseeing can be uncomfortable. However, they are the cheapest way to get around the town.
- Renting Bikes: Bikes can be rented for in-town sightseeing at around 400 EGP per day.
- Booking Bus from Siwa: Try to book the return journey by bus one day in advance as the area is busy and seats get filled fast.
- Cold Nights and Mornings: Bring warm clothes as Siwa gets cold from evening to morning.
- Full-Day Excursion: Hire a driver for a full day to visit attractions outside the town.
- Checkpoints: Because of Siwa’s location near Libya, the roads to the town have more checkpoints or bag checks. Be prepared to be questioned as well.
- Cash: Bring cash, as there is only one ATM in Siwa.
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How to Reach Siwa
How to Reach Overview
There is no direct international connectivity to Siwa. However, it can be reached by road from Cairo or Alexandria. The best and cheapest way is by Bus. Another way is to hire a taxi.
From Cairo: Take a Gobus to Marsa Matruh, which takes about 7-8 hours, and then take a bus to Siwa, which takes about 4 hours. The time taken depends on how much time was spent at the checkpoints.
From Alexandria: By Gobus, it takes about 9 hours or more. There are also West Delta buses that run on this route and can be booked on the spot.
Local transport in Siwa
Bikes: It is possible to rent bikes to explore in-town attractions. Before renting, check the bike properly for any malfunctions or faults. As the roads in Siwa aren't ideal, it can be difficult for an inexperienced rider to operate a bike there. Bikes can be rented for about 400 EGP per day.
Taxi: Taxi is ideal for out-of-the-town attractions. You can bargain with the driver to reach a price that works well for both.
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